SURREY Police has signed a deal to merge some of its services with a trio of neighbouring forces.

Witness protection, covert operations and technical support will now be provided in conjunction with Thames Valley, Hampshire and Sussex.

The hard-up Surrey force needs to save £25 million over the next three years.

The agreement was signed by the chairman of the four police authorities and their forces' chief constables at a meeting held in Sussex on Tuesday, January 14.

Peter Williams, chairman of Surrey Police Authority, said: “Significant cuts in public spending are looming and police authorities in the south east are taking the initiative sooner rather than later for the tougher times ahead.

“Collaborating with our neighbouring authorities is a big part of these preparations.

“The significant cost savings we expect to make through collaboration will free up money to help us protect the front line services that the people of the south east tell us matter most to them.”

Surrey Police is about to start on consultation on planned changes that would see police stations sold off and officers relocated to council and public buildings.

The move would also see 50 senior posts axed to help make way for up to 200 new police constables.

For more on this story see the Surrey Advertiser , out Friday, January 22.